Orpheus Centre was great...I just like your website very much..Thanks for the great share..

We came to the production of "Orpheus the Mythical"
at the Yvonne Arnaud theatre at Guildford and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It was so well performed and produced and had fantastic pace and humour-looking forward to more!

I loved it!!! I laughed until I cried and the argonauts were very nice! It was a fantastic night out. A big well done to all.

The 40 people that came to see the show from Cheddington last night had a brilliant time and thought the show was amazing. Now they understand why we think the Orpheus Centre is so great - they want to know when the next show is !!

Praise Apollo the show was amazing ,well done one and all! Cannot wait to join the family.

What a show tonight, what a week, you should all be very proud of yourselves, well done to all involved

hi gys its sam i will keep in touch and i will keep going to your shows in the future and i am doing very well at collage .hope to see you soon sam hill x appentince good luck in all your perfomences

The students were a delight and so incredibly talented.

Jo's song recieved an encore.........and what an Anthem it is!

Please thank everyone involved with our warmest appreciation.

I also enjoyed Hansel and Gretel's performance! Waiting for something new now!

On the cold and frosty evening of Thursday 17th December we travelled to the Orpheus centre where they were presenting Hansel and Gretel. This is a sinister story and I was interested to see how it would be portrayed. Outside it was freezing and threatening to snow and we made our way through the forest of laundry to the Theatre Barn. Nearly all the seats were taken a good turn-out on such an evening.
There were a few nerves when the performance started but soon it was obvious that all the students and volunteers had put a lot of time and effort into the production and were all thoroughly enjoying themselves. The audience were too! Everyone was involved in the story and eager to see what came next.
The story unfolded with innovative scenery, atmospheric music and catchy songs. Barnaby and Lana were excellent as Hansel and Gretel. Charlotte the Flower girl had a lovely voice as did so many of the others. The market scene was especially good and the idea of the hand-written advice on a big screen with the accordion music was a touch of genius!! I loved the birds and the spooky music that accompanied them when they were on stage. The Fortune Teller had such a cheeky look of mischief in his eyes he gave a very fine performance. The dark tale of Hansel and Gretel had been brought alive by the talented students.
At the end a standing ovation must have convinced all the players that everyone enjoyed it. A happy ending always helps to cheer people and this performance made me forget the cold outside and gave me a warm feeling inside!

I really enjoyed the show as it was very entertaining and well acted. I could hear everyone really well and they all remembered their words which is really difficult. The costumes and props were excellent and the performers were really nice (I got to meet them all afterwards). The refreshments were also very tasty.

The performance of Hansel and Gretel was excellent, we especially liked the market scene and the fortune teller (Ashley Lucas). The scenery and music was very good.

A big thank you to you and everyone at the Orpheus for a truly motivating and joyous week!

Thank you so much for the opportunity of enabling on last weeks course. I had the time of my life, no experience has ever taught me so much and left me feeling so happy. I felt well looked after and more welcome than I ever have, not just the performance (which was a great project) but the social time and atmosphere of the centre was such a joy!

I would jump at the chance to do it all again, so if there is any possibility of any kind of vacancy or volunteering programme, or even a week or something to just go back and visit, PLEASE let me know, I'll pay if I have to, I'm itching to get back and see everyone again!

Thanks again, and best wishes

Helen Clarke
(CYTO)

I have been sitting here on my computer at home looking at this screen for about 25 mins now and this is how much I have written.

Saying that I have enjoyed my time with you really doesn’t seem enough. From the get go I have been welcomed with warmth and smiling faces. I have loved each and every moment with you and wish I didn’t have to go.

The CYTO enablers have done a lot of shows in our time, some of them good some of them bad. Some, we wish we could do again and some we couldn’t wait to see the back off. But I wish I could do this one, with everyone, to another 100 audiences.

Without sounding dramatic or a little OTT (over the top) but this has been the best experience of my life and I would strongly urge anyone who has the opportunity to work with Orpheus, and its members, to do so with hast- before I get in there first.
This experience has changed the way I look at things and for that I am truly grateful.
I’d go as far to say I envy the PA’s for what they do on a day to day basis.

Its only been a week but feels like years. I’m defiantly coming back for more!

All the gratitude, love and respect in the world.

Richard Gibbons.

Hi Everyone at The Orpheus It's Will

Just wanted to say that I enjoyed the Hanstel & Gretel Show
I thought that this was the best show I ever did since being there

I'd like to say a massive thank you to Bing Lyle Music Director and all the rest of the team

Thanks

From Will Smith ( Student)

Just a quick line to say what a fantastic evening the Orpheus apprentices put on last week. It was truly awe-inspiring - my guests were absolutely stunned by the production. I had tried to explain what Orpheus is about to them but they hadn't taken on board just how amazing the whole thing is, the enthusiasm and dedication of the staff, helpers and most of all the apprentices is so stupendous - I can't think of sufficient words to describe it.

As you know I've seen quite few Orpheus performances but this last one was just brilliant. Luke was the best I have ever heard him.

Anyway once again many, many congratualtions to all concerned with Mythical.

To Sue,

I just wanted to say that I had a wonderful time at the Orpheus Centre last week helping on the Urban Flavas course, I honestly did not expect to enjoy myself so much! I loved working with the students and doing activities which I would never normally have done. Everyone at the Orpheus Centre was so friendly and welcoming and the spirit there is fantastic. I would definitely like to come back and help again, either on another course or more regularly if I take a gap year.

I know the performance on Friday evening was filmed, and I was wondering whether it would be possible to get hold of a dvd - please could you let me know about this?

Thank you very much,

Camilla

What a truly wonderful, humbling, inspirational evening you staged for us: Orpheus the Mythical, Richard Stilgoe with the apprentices, at the Linbury

Richard and his protegees are the miracle...

Life is genuinely enriched by just a few truly memorable experiences and Friday was one.

Thank you,

David

We were lucky to be invited to see the rehearsal of your show. It was fantastic! It surpassed our expectations!

Break a leg every one for tonight at the Royal Opera House.

Best wishes
Kim and Kevin.

Dear Orphe-ans and Orphe-ennes,

I have seen quite a few stirring and inspiring performances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden over the years.

"Orpheus -- The Mythical" was one of the (never-to-be-forgotten) best!

Bravo, bravo -- bravo, bravissimo!
Bravo, bravo,
Jolly well done!

My signing-up papers for enlistment as an Argonaut are in the post, though it's some years since I pulled an oar...... So I might need a Song....... 'Specially if someone's nicked our Tom-tom....

Thank you all for such an enjoyable evening, and for such an amazing and delightful insight into Orpheus' magical world and its brave and so-talented heroes and heroines!

A bientot!

Thank you again for inviting us to the production on Friday night. Please pass on our thanks and congratulations to all the performers and those involved. We were so pleased to have the opportunity to share the occasion with those closely involved with the Orpheus Centre. The production as a whole was incredible and we laughed and applauded in equal measure. We do hope to have other opportunities to share such wonderful productions.

Thanks for fixing Friday's tickets - wonderful show!!

Best wishes

Nick

Dear Apprentices, enablers and staff at the centre,

I would like to start by thanking you all for the most inspirational two weeks I have ever experienced!!

A fortnight ago you welcomed six very nervous young guys into your home with open arms. Two weeks later I can only thank you and tell you how proud and honored I feel to be friends with such a talented group of people!

I refused to say goodbye on Friday evening - because I truly believe once you have worked at the Orpheus centre you will just keep hoping for opportunities to go back there! It is such a special place and it’s filled with an amazing crowd of people (Apprentices, staff and enablers!)

It’s up to you guys now to get onto Richard to write a sequel!!

So until next time folks - keep performing and nurturing your amazing talents!

All my love, Marc

Just a short thank you for the Oxted Carnival performance on 4th July – It’s great to see the depth of talent we have in the local community. I really enjoyed the performances, especially the witty lyrical storytelling.

What an outstanding performance at our WI AGM at The Royal Albert Hall, one I will remember for a long time. Hope to hear you again on July 13th at The Royal Opera House.

Thank you so much for a wonderful performance. If the young adults that we saw at the AGM last Wednesday are a blueprint for the next generation, then this country has a great future to look forward to.

Thank you from all the members of Lincolnshire North FWI that had the privilege of hearing your performance at the Royal Albert Hall last week. The roller coaster of emotions you took us on in the space of only 15 minutes was incredible, what a ride! If you don't have a CD - you should!
Thank you so much for being there.

Oh how we enjoyed your performance at the A G M - what an inspiration to us all and thank you to Richard Stilgoe for bringing such wonderful people. Good Luck for the future

Your performance at the AGM was most moving and inspiring. Many tears were present in our eyes.

Good luck for the future

Your performance at the WI AGM is something I will remember for a very long time. It was so moving and many tears were shed. God bless you all

What an inspiring performance! All the Orpheus Apprentices gave us a unforgettable experience, with laughter and tears. We left the Albert Hall with profound respect for the Apprentices themselves and those who work with them. Thank you all so very much.

Maureen Lipman and Eve Pollard to entertain us, both seasoned performers. Who was given the spontaneous standing ovation? Orpheus. Your entertainment knocked spots of everything that had gone before,what an inspiration you are. Thank you.

Thank you all so much for all the wonderful comments you have been leaving in our guestbook. Keep them coming!

We would love to keep you informed with all the latest Orpheus news and events - please sign up to our mailing list by entering your email address in the sign up box on the home page.

What a fantastic performance at the WI AGM. You all looked so at ease in the Royal Albert Hall. I laughed and cried as you took me through all the emotions with your songs. I am looking out for the next time you do a show and bringing my husband. Thank you for such wonderful entertainment.

A truly inspirational end to a wonderful day at the 2009 AGM - from hilarity over Maureen Lipman's speech to being quite overcome with emotion by the skill of the Players - they have opened a new window in my mind!

Thank you for giving us such a wonderful end to our AGM at the Royal Albert Hall yesterday. The young people were an inspiration for us all, to admire their skills, dedication and sheer enjoyment of performing in front of such a large audience.
Wishing you all the very best for the future.

I have long been a fan of Richard Stilgoe, yet I knew nothing of the wonderful Orpheus Centre. The Apprentices appearance at the AGM yesterday introduced the WI to their brilliant talent, and ended the day with an inspirational and emotional finale.

I work with people with disabilities and was overwhelmed by the performance by the Apprentices, such confidence and talent. I have just shared my experience with my colleagues and passed on your website details for them to spread the word. Thank you to everyone involved in arranging our entertainment, it was brilliant!

I wanted to add my voice to the many who enjoyed your performance in the Albert Hall so very much. Such talent - to be able to capture the attention of an audience at the end of a long and tiring - albeit inspiring - day is no easy task. I intend to tell everyone I know about the Orpheus Centre and congratulate everyone involved.

What a wonderfull ending to our day.A' big thank you'
I was everwhelmed with emotion.The talent and commintment the apprentices have was a pleasure to witness.
Well done all at the ORPHEOUS.

What an wonderful finish to a great day at the Albert Hall. Do you have a CD? If not you should, our members would love to hear you. A fantastically confident group of young people.Congratulations to you all .

Your contribution to the WI day was the icing on the cake! Thank you so much.

Thank you for your wonderful entertainment this afternoon at the AGM. Your contribution to our meeting was much appreciated.

I've jsut got back from the AGM and HAD to write and say how wonderful you were this afternoon. Funny, moving and totally uplifting- if i could have recorded the performance for my fellow members to hear I'm sure they'd all agree. Keep up the amazing work

Thank you so much for allowing us the privelage today of watching you perform at the WI AGM, you were sensational. An inspiration to everyone and I wish you all the luck in the world.

Just got back home from AGM. What a fantastic performance!!!! Such talented youngsters!! thank you so much for sharing your songs with us. Members of Aylsham Evening WI were moved by your performance. We loved 'I believe I can really make a difference!' Can I get a copy of,it anywhere?

I was privileged to be at the WI AGM at the Albert Hall today and having jsut arrived home, felt I had to write and say what a fantastic performance your apprentices gave. It made me laugh, moved me to tears and left me feeling uplifted! What talent - and such an ability to reach out to others. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

How do you like the new look site?